The Liberal Party is set to endorse a woman to contest the seat of Lyons at this year’s federal election. It is believed the party will endorse newly elected Brighton councillor Jessica Whelan. Ms Whelan, 34, of Brighton was tight-lipped when contacted by The Advocate on Tuesday and declined to comment. She is a property developer and farmer and has two young children. The party has called for nominations for the sprawling electorate which was won by Labor’s Brian Mitchell in 2016. It will announce the successful candidate on February 2 – the same day the party will reveal who it will recommend fills the casual Senate vacancy caused by the early retirement of Senator David Bushby. Senator Bushby retired on Monday. He has been nominated as Australia’s next Consul-General in Chicago. However, his new job may be short-lived. Labor has refused to support his promotion. Labor’s Disability and Carer’s spokeswoman Senator Carol Brown said “we’re not guaranteeing” any appointments made by the government. “We will be assessing appointments on their merits,” Senator Brown said. “It says something about the Coalition’s priorities that their focus is appointing mates to diplomatic and government jobs ahead of the election.” Senator Eric Abetz said it would be “exceptionally mean spirited” of Labor to reject the appointment. “Senator Bushby is highly qualified and capable with his background in law and economics,” Senator Abetz said. “He has extensive experience in government relations and lobbying business and dealing with constituent inquiries.” Senator Bushby’s sister Wendy Summers is considered to have a good chance of replacing him but the spot will be hotly contested. She is regarded as a hard worker with an extensive background in politics but some argue her public profile is too low. One Liberal source said it was “shaping up to be a Melbourne Cup size field of candidates”. Break O’Day councillor John Tucker also a strong chance if he decides to nominate. It is believed the Liberal Party is keen to give the Senate spot to a party member from rural or regional Tasmania. Former Bass Liberal member Andrew Nikolic is not expected to throw his hat into the ring. Others being considered as outside chances are Hobart alderman Tanya Denison or Sally Chandler who was a former Senate candidate.

Tasmanian Liberals likely to endorse female councillor for Lyons

LYONS: Newly elected Brighton councillor is expected to be nominate by the Liberal Party for the federal seat of Lyons.

The Liberal Party is set to endorse a woman to contest the seat of Lyons at this year’s federal election.

It is believed the party will endorse newly elected Brighton councillor Jessica Whelan.

Ms Whelan, 34, of Brighton was tight-lipped when contacted by The Advocate on Tuesday and declined to comment.

She is a property developer and farmer and has two young children.

The party has called for nominations for the sprawling electorate which was won by Labor’s Brian Mitchell in 2016.

It will announce the successful candidate on February 2 – the same day the party will reveal who it will recommend fills the casual Senate vacancy caused by the early retirement of Senator David Bushby.

Senator Bushby retired on Monday.

He has been nominated as Australia’s next Consul-General in Chicago.

However, his new job may be short-lived.

Labor has refused to support his promotion.

Labor’s Disability and Carer’s spokeswoman Senator Carol Brown said “we’re not guaranteeing” any appointments made by the government.

“We will be assessing appointments on their merits,” Senator Brown said.

“It says something about the Coalition’s priorities that their focus is appointing mates to diplomatic and government jobs ahead of the election.”

Senator Eric Abetz said it would be “exceptionally mean spirited” of Labor to reject the appointment.

“Senator Bushby is highly qualified and capable with his background in law and economics,” Senator Abetz said.

“He has extensive experience in government relations and lobbying business and dealing with constituent inquiries.”

Senator Bushby’s sister Wendy Summers is considered to have a good chance of replacing him but the spot will be hotly contested.

She is regarded as a hard worker with an extensive background in politics but some argue her public profile is too low.

One Liberal source said it was “shaping up to be a Melbourne Cup size field of candidates”.

Break O’Day councillor John Tucker also a strong chance if he decides to nominate.

It is believed the Liberal Party is keen to give the Senate spot to a party member from rural or regional Tasmania.

Former Bass Liberal member Andrew Nikolic is not expected to throw his hat into the ring.

Others being considered as outside chances are Hobart alderman Tanya Denison or Sally Chandler who was a former Senate candidate.